Maria Montessori was one of the first women in Italy to graduate as a Doctor of Medicine in 1896, in spite of the many obstacles placed in her path from her father, the University and society in general.
With her characteristic energy and pursuit of justice, Montessori campaigned rigorously for the plight of working women and also attacked the accepted use of child labor. After graduating, she was employed in a Psychiatric Clinic for disadvantaged children. Again, with her tremendous commitment to Maria Montessorithe underprivileged, her scientific background and heartfelt compassion she set about devoting herself to those in her care. Utilising her skills of observation and analysis of the findings, she began to search for a way to improve the lives of children that society had forgotten.
From her research she developed materials to suit the child’s developmental needs and capture their interest and evoke curiosity, thus creating opportunities for the refinement of skills, desire for repetition, building concentration and independence.
These experiences formed the foundation for what is known and practiced throughout the world as the Montessori Method of education.
If you would like to know more about the Montessori programs, please contact us. Or visit www.montessori.org.au/montessori-programmes